Waste into Art
Kempsey Shire Council introduced the “Waste into Art” Competition for Schools in 2007 and has continued to run the event annually. The program aims to spread the recycling and waste reduction message in a creative and innovative way. While there are special categories for the types of art entered in the competition, there is enough flexibility to let the imagination run wild. An important pre-requisite is that at least 90% of the artwork is made from waste materials.
The program is designed to fit in with the curriculum of local schools. “Waste into Art” is supported by the Dept of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), waste contractors J R Richards and Sons, as well as Kempsey Shire Council. All local schools are encouraged to become involved in the “Waste into Art” competition and substantial prizes in the form of cash vouchers are offered so that the schools can invest in additional educational resources.
The competition culminates in an official opening of the “Waste into Art” Exhibition and a Prize-giving Night. All entries that achieve ‘finalist’ status are exhibited for two weeks at the Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery in Gladstone. This exhibition is open to the whole community and showcases the inventive and interesting way waste materials can be used to create objects of art.
“Waste into Art” is designed to be a fun event for everyone involved. Since its inception it has proved to be very successful in reinforcing the recycling and waste reduction message and has received strong community support.
The competition is run in the third term of the school year, with the “Waste into Art” Exhibition usually coinciding with National Recycling Week. For further information or enquiries contact Tony Green on 02 6566 3200.
